One of the hidden gems at this year’s Sundance film festival was Jack Schreider‘s quirky buddy-comedy Robot and Frank. This first trailer for the film shows us exactly why it was so well received.

Set in the ‘near future’, retired jewel thief Frank (Frank Langella) is nagged by his kids into taking on a robot helper (voiced by Peter Sarsgaard). Robo-human relations get off to a rocky start, but the two become firm friends and Frank gains a new lease on life. Before long he’s pursuing the affections of the local librarian (Susan Sarandon) and looking to resume his criminal escapades, with the help of his AI friend.

Looking every bit an indie comedy classic, Robot and Frank aims to steal your heart as well as tickle your funny-bone. And it’s nice to see the human putting the robot in peril for once.

Hmmm, I really hope they haven’t given away too much in an attempt to gain as wide an audience as possible. Regardless, there’s a lot to enjoy here – including the effectively subtle use of future tech. Langella shines as Frank and has the grumpy old man thing down pat – but the sparks of life in his eyes when it comes his loves (librarians and crime) show this character has a bit of depth to him. Langella and Sarandon also seem to have great chemistry.

But it’s the relationship between the two leads which steals the show (at least in the trailer anyway) and breathes new life into the buddy-comedy sub-genre.  So it looks like the hype is well justified.

You like what you see here? Can anything beat HAL 9000 as the best AI in movie history?

Set in the near future, a retired jewel thief gets a new lease on life when he is introduced to a surprising new companion. With the help of his new friend, he attempts to woo a local librarian and resume his criminal escapades.

Robot and Frank is directed by first time filmmaker Jake Schreier and stars Frank Langella, Peter Sarsgaard, Susan Sarandon, Liv Tyler, James Marsden and Jeremy Strong.

No release date for New Zealand yet – but hopefully this year.